With epithets like “The Capital of the World,” “The Eternal City,” and simply l’Urbe or “The City,” Rome has a lot of expectations to meet. From its history as the core of an influential empire to its modern role as home of the Vatican, Rome has always held a prominent spot on the world stage.

According to legend, Rome was founded by twins Romulus and Remus in 753 B.C. on Palantine Hill, an area that later became the site of the Forum. Through the years, the military powerhouse exerted its rule over much of Europe, becoming not only the largest city in the Western world but also the richest and most important, holding that position for almost a millennium.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city lost much of its population and its capital status, although it continued to hold a prominent position through its association with the Catholic Church. During the Middle Ages, Rome became a pilgrimage site and slowly began to increase in population. In 1871, Rome regained much of its prominence as the capital of the newly unified Italy. After the fascist years under Mussolini and the devastation of World War II — although it suffered less damage than most European capitals — the city’s recovery brought about a revitalization and a respect for the Roman way of life that continues today.

Home to 2.7 million residents in the city and 5.5 million in the metropolitan area, Rome serves as national capital of Italy and the seat of the president of the Italian Republic, the Italian Parliament, and the Italian prime minister. Two sovereign entities also reside in the city: the Holy See — the political and religious body that governs Vatican City — and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, a religious order evicted from Malta when it was overtaken by Napoleon.-

For all its historic ties, today’s Rome is a modern and vibrant business destination. Rome remains an economic leader in Italy, a country whose economy has lately flirted with recession. Economic growth was recently downgraded by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development to 0.5 percent projected for 2008 due to tighter credit and rising unemployment. However, in late May Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi announced measures to combat the slump, including the elimination of property tax on first homes and a reduction in levies on overtime pay.

Rome’s economy is diverse not only in terms of product and sector, but also geographic location. Business is conducted not at one, but five business districts in the city. The leading center is the Esposizione Universale Roma, or EUR, a district that dates back to Mussolini’s time. Located between the city center and Fiumicino airport, EUR’s stark architecture contrasts with the historic buildings of downtown. Other business centers include nearby Torrino; Magliana, home to Toyota Italia; the Parco de’ Medici-Laurentina and Tiburtina Valley, a hub of technology industries.

Banking has long been one of Rome’s strongest economic sectors due in part to the investment power of the Vatican, and tourism remains a vital force. But its film industry is flourishing, thanks to Cinecittà Studios, the largest film and television production facility in continental Europe. Sometimes called “Hollywood on the Tiber,” Cinecittà has produced classics such as Ben Hur and Cleopatraas well as modern films like Gangs of New York and The Life Aquatic. It is the only studio in the world with pre-production, production and full post-production facilities on one lot — a fact that draws moviemakers from around the globe.

Once again — when it comes to certain industries — all roads lead to Rome.

LODGING

HOTEL HASLER ROMA

Perched atop the Spanish Steps, the 5-star Hassler Roma first opened in 1893 and throughout the years has been a favorite with visitors ranging from diplomats to film stars to business leaders. The hotel’s 82 guestrooms and 13 suites are decorated with Venetian chandelier s and lamps, Limoges porcelains, French crystal, and trompe l’oeil paintings. All rooms offer marble baths and high-speed Internet connections. Dining options include Imago, a panoramic restaurant with a new multi-million dollar redesign — the original restaurant was Rome’s first rooftop eatery. Diners can also opt for the hotel’s Palm Court, located next to the Borghese Gardens.$$$$
HOTEL HASLER ROMA
Piazza Trinità dei Monti 6
tel 39 06 699 340
http://www.hotelhasslerroma.com

ST. REGIS GRAND HOTEL, ROME

Fresh from a $35 million renovation, this luxury property offers 138 guestrooms and 23 suites, all in a combination of Empire, Regency and Louis XV styles. Located within walking distance of the Spanish Steps and the Via Veneto, each guestroom features a marble bath and a bedroom decorated with dark wood and gilt touches as well as a hand-painted fresco of a Roman scene. Suite guests receive 24-hour butler service, while all guests can utilize the services of the hotel’s 24-hour concierge desk. Other facilities include a business center and fitness center with two massage treatment rooms. Dining options range from private wine cellar dinners to around-the-clock room service.$$$$
ST. REGIS GRAND HOTEL, ROME
Via Vittorio Emanuele Orlando 3
tel 39 06 47091
http://www.starwoodhotels.com

THE WESTIN EXCELSIOR, ROME

Dating to 1906, this historic property near the Via Veneto has 281 guestrooms and 35 suites decorated in the Empire or Biedermeier style with touches ranging from crystal chandeliers to white-and-gold ceilings. The hotel is well known as the home of Europe’s largest suite, the sixbedroom Villa Cupola which underwent a $7 million renovation, part of the hotel’s recent $40 million facelift. Guestrooms in all categories include high-speed WiFi access and the Westin Heavenly Bed. The hotel offers a 24-hour business center, a concierge desk, in-room spa treatments, and a fitness center with exercise equipment, Turkish bath and indoor pool. $$$$
THE WESTIN EXCELSIOR, ROME
Via Vittorio Veneto 125
tel 39 06 47081
http://www.starwoodhotels.com

DINING

LA PERGOLA

The only restaurant in the city with a 3-star Michelin rating, La Pergola is noted for its light Mediterranean cuisine. This formal 55-seat restaurant at the roof-garden of the Rome Cavalieri Hilton boasts an exceptional view of the city. The menu includes baked lobster and saffron mousse risotto, with an extensive wine list of vintages from Italy and around the globe. $$$$
LA PERGOLA
Rome Cavalieri Hilton, Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101
tel 39 06 35091

SAPORI DEL LORD BYRON

Located in the elegant Hotel Lord Byron near the Villa Borghese, this restaurant is a favorite with the staff of the surrounding embassies and with Romans in search of a special evening out. Known for its extensive wine list and regional cuisine, the restaurant also stands out for dishes such as trout with black truffle sauce and beetroot carpaccio with seared king prawns and wasabi sauce. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday.$$$$
SAPORI DEL LORD BYRON
Via Giuseppe De Notaris
tel 39 06 3220404
http://www.lordbyronhotel.com

LA ROSETTA
Claiming the title as Rome’s first fish and seafood restaurant, this eatery dates to 1966 and is located near the Pantheon. Operated by the original owner’s son, the casually elegant restaurant features fresh catch from the port cities of Lazio, Anzio, Civitavecchia and Terracina. Dishes include wild sea bass, fried calamari, and langoustines with zucchini gratin. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. $$$
LA ROSETTA
Via della Rosetta
tel 39 06 68 61 002

DIVERSIONS

Of all its landmarks, no building quite says Rome like the Colosseum (Piazza del Colosseo, tel 39 06 399 67700, http://www.romaturismo.it). While lions, leopards and other bigday only th cats once fought in its arena, toe padded paws of 200 tame felines — unofficial mascots — stroll the site deemed one of the new seven wonders of the world in 2007.

“Friends, Romans, countrymen, l end me your ears…” With a little imagination, travelers can almost hear the echo of Mark Antony’s eulogy for Julius Caesar at the rostra, the elaborately carved oratory platform at the nearby Forum. Once a bustling marketplace, today only fragments of the Temple of Saturn, the arch of Septimius Severus and other buildings remain as reminders of the city’s proud past. Roman history is also recalled at the Pantheon, constructed upon the order of Emperor Hadrian as a temple for all Roman deities.

Each year, more than 4.2 million travelers visit the independent state of Vatican City (mv.vatican.va). Visitors of every faith are moved by the spiritual fervor of Michelangelo’s frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and by the pathos of the Pietà inside St. Peter’s Basilica, in which Mary, her sadness immortalized in marble, cradles the crucified Christ.

Built in the 18th century, the Spanish Steps are adorned with pots of fragrant flowers each spring, but visitors at any time of year can enjoy a view of La Fontana della Barcaccia, where clusters of local residents often meet. To appreciate the landmark’s allure for artists, visit the Keats- Shelley House (Piazza Di Spagna, tel 39 06 678 4235, http://www.keats-shelley-house.org), from which poet John Keats gazed down at the Spanish Steps during the final months of his life. Today a museum dedicated to the Romantics of his time, the house contains such literary treasures as a lock of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s hair, poetry penned by Oscar Wilde and first editions by Wordsworth and Robert Browning.

Rome’s fountains are legendary and none more so than the Trevi Fountain. The Baroque landmark features Neptunus Rex, since 1762 a silent witness to a steady stream of tourists. While sightseers are not allowed to frolic in the pooling waters a la Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita, the fountain’s daily accumulation of 3,000 euros attests to a legend from another cinema treasure, Three Coins in the Fountain — tossing money into the fountain to ensure a return trip to the Eternal City.

Checking In with Roberto E. Wirth
President and General Manager of the Hassler Roma

Global Traveler: Tell us about your background in the tourism industry and how you came to be at the Hassler Roma.
Roberto E. Wirth: Hotels fascinated me throughout my childhood. Passing through the various rooms, the concierge’s desk, noticing how the waiters served clients at the restaurant — and through it all observing my father managing what appeared to be a royal palace — all this left an indelible imprint on my mind. I knew from the very start that this was what I wanted to do. There was no dissuading me: This was to be my life.

In 1998 I became president and general manager of the newly established company initially named Hassler Roma s.r.l. and then Hassler Roma S.p.A. in 2001, becoming in effect sole owner of the Hassler Roma.

GT: How has Rome changed during your tenure at the property?
REW: Rome is the Eternal City, so luckily there are certain things that never change, from the good weather to the warmth of the people, the beauty of the city. Some things that have changed, however, are the number and the nationality of visitors. Rome has always enjoyed a high level of tourism, but with the current situation of the dollar we are seeing fewer Americans than in the past. Also, with the rise of the new economies of Russia and China, we are seeing an influx of visitors from these countries.

Rome is an ancient city which is also particularly good at keeping up with the modern. From the Auditorium concert hall of music to new art galleries and cultural events, Rome keeps pace with the times.

GT: What most surprises travelers about Rome?
REW: That we are able to live in a city that still has such beautiful testaments to the past. Many visitors to Rome find it amazing that we live and work in the midst of such historical monuments as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Spanish Steps — all breathtaking sites which many of us in Rome are used to seeing every day.

GT: How do you predict Rome will change in the next 10 years in terms of appeal for business travelers?
REW: Rome has already changed somewhat. There were more tourists in the past, and now there are more people coming to the city for business, particularly with the new fair areas such as the EUR, or in the area Fiumicino. Many hotel chains are opening large hotels, even with 1,000 rooms, in order to cater to the business traveler. This is positive for Rome’s future.

Just the Facts
Time Zone: GMT +1
Phone Code: 39 Italy, 06 Rome
Currency: euro
Entry/Exit Requirements: U.S. visitors must have a valid passport, which must be stamped with a dichiarazione di presenza (declaration of presence) upon arrival. A visa is not required for tourism or business stays shorter than 90 days; longer stays require a permesso di soggiorno (permit of stay). To work in Italy, travelers must have a visa issued before arriving. For the latest information, check the Web site of the Embassy of Italy in Washington, D.C. (http://www.ambwashingtondc.esteri.it/ambasciata_washington)
Official Language: Italian
Key Industries: Tourism, banking, electronics, aerospace, film

INFO TO GO

The Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport (FCO) is not only the busiest of the city’s three airports but also the top airport in Italy. Locally known as the Fiumicino airport, it is located about 22 miles southwest of the city. The airport is connected to downtown by a six-lane highway as well as the Leonardo Express train, a 30-minute ride to Termini Station with two departures per hour. For more information, visit http://www.italiantourism.com and http://www.romaturismo.it.